STEIN Fireside Podcast

steinfiresidepodcast

The STEIN Fireside Podcast is a series hosted by the Society for Technology, Engineering, and Innovation in Neurosurgery (STEIN). Its purpose is to create an informal yet deeply insightful platform for discussing cutting-edge topics in neuroscience, neurosurgery, and related technologies. Episodes feature conversations with leading experts who share their research, clinical experiences, and perspectives on the future of brain science and interventions.

  1. 5d ago

    Dr. Jeffery Raskin on Neuromodulation for Chronic Pain in Children

    STEIN Fireside Podcast: Dr. Jeffery Raskin on Neuromodulation for Chronic Pain in Children, S1-Ep16 In this episode of the Stein Fireside Podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Raskin, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Northwestern University and Lurie Children's Hospital, discusses the emerging role of neuromodulation for chronic pain in pediatric patients. He explores why chronic pain in children is often under-recognized and under-treated, reviews the science of pain pathways, and explains how therapies such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and intrathecal pain pumps are helping young patients regain function and quality of life.   Dr. Raskin shares compelling patient stories, including children suffering from CRPS, phantom limb pain, chronic headaches, and cancer-related pain who experienced dramatic improvements through neuromodulation. He also discusses the importance of multidisciplinary care, psychological evaluation, referral pathways, patient education, and the ongoing battle with insurance approvals for pediatric pain interventions.  The conversation highlights the growing evidence supporting pediatric neuromodulation, the need for advocacy and policy reform, and the opportunity to improve outcomes for children whose lives are disrupted by chronic pain.

  2. Aug 1

    Dr. Jeffrey Raskin on Advancing Pediatric Pain Surgery and Neuromodulation

    STEIN Fireside Podcast: Dr. Jeffrey Raskin on Advancing Pediatric Pain Surgery and Neuromodulation, S1-Ep15 In this episode of the STEIN Fireside Podcast,   Drs. Klassen and Miller sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Raskin, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and pediatric neurosurgeon at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.   Dr. Raskin shares his journey from Las Vegas to becoming a leader in pediatric neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery, and pediatric pain neuromodulation. The conversation explores how chronic pain affects children differently than adults, the challenges of developing evidence-based therapies for pediatric patients, and the growing role of spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, pain pumps, and other neuromodulation technologies.   They also discuss multidisciplinary pain care, barriers to insurance approval for pediatric therapies, the future of brain and spinal stimulation for pain management, and the emotional realities of caring for children with complex neurological conditions. Whether you're interested in pediatric neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery, epilepsy, pain medicine, or medical innovation, this episode offers a fascinating look into a rapidly evolving field. Subscribe for more conversations with leading neurosurgeons, scientists, and innovators.

  3. Jul 15

    Dr. Nick Ramsey on Brain-Computer Interfaces, ALS, and Restoring Communication

    STEIN Fireside Podcast: Nick Ramsey on Brain-Computer Interfaces, ALS, and Restoring Communication, S1-Ep14 How do you give a voice back to someone who can no longer speak? In this episode of the STEIN Fireside Podcast, Dr. Kai Miller and Bryan Klassen sits down with Dr. Nick Ramsey, pioneer of brain-computer interface (BCI) research from Utrecht University and Radboud University in the Netherlands. Dr. Ramsey shares his journey from psychology and functional MRI to groundbreaking work with implanted brain-computer interfaces for people living with ALS, brainstem stroke, and severe paralysis. The discussion explores the evolution of BCI technology, lessons learned from epilepsy research, the challenges of decoding human intention, and the ethical responsibility of designing technologies that truly improve patients' lives. Topics include: The origins of modern brain-computer interfaces Functional MRI and electrocorticography research Building one of the first fully implanted BCIs Restoring communication for people with locked-in syndrome Challenges of ALS and motor cortex decoding Neurotechnology ethics and patient-centered innovation The future of implantable neural devices Whether you're interested in neuroscience, neurosurgery, neurotechnology, AI, or the future of human-computer interaction, this conversation provides a rare inside look at the science and philosophy driving the next generation of brain implants.

  4. Jul 1

    The Father of Deep Brain Stimulation: Prof. Alim-Louis Benabid on Revolutionizing Brain Surgery

    In this episode of the STEIN Fireside Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Alim-Louis Benabid, the pioneer behind Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)—a breakthrough that transformed the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. Prof. Benabid shares the story behind his groundbreaking discovery, the evolution of neurosurgery, and how innovation emerges at the intersection of curiosity and clinical need. From the early days of experimentation to global adoption, this conversation explores how one idea reshaped modern medicine. We also dive into the future of brain technology, including neuroengineering, AI integration, and the next frontier in treating neurological disease. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or simply fascinated by medical innovation, this episode offers rare insight into one of the most important advances in neuroscience.

  5. Jun 15

    STEIN Event at the 2026 AANS Meeting, pt2

    STEIN Fireside Podcast

  6. Jun 1

    Innovating Neurosurgery: Dr. Kondziolka on Radiosurgery, Research & Brain Science

    STEIN Fireside Podcast: S1-Ep11  In this episode of the STEIN Fireside Podcast, Dr. Kai Miller talks with Dr. Douglas Kondziolka, Editor-in-Chief of Neurosurgery and a global leader in radiosurgery while at the AANS 2026 conference in San Antonio. He shares insights on innovation, technology, and the evolution of neurosurgical care. From his early career in Toronto to pioneering work in radiosurgery and functional neurosurgery, Dr. Kondziolka discusses how challenging medical dogma, embracing new technologies, and sharing data openly have transformed patient care. The conversation explores: • The rise of radiosurgery and how it disrupted traditional brain surgery • Why innovation requires questioning “what we think we know” • The role of teamwork, publishing, and collaboration in scientific progress • Emerging technologies like focused ultrasound, gene therapy, and brain networks • The future of medical journals, digital content, and scientific communication This episode is a deep dive into how modern neurosurgery is evolving and what the next generation of innovation might look like.

  7. May 15

    STEIN Fireside Podcast: STEIN Event at the 2026 AANS Meeting, pt.1

    In this special on-location episode, the Stein Fireside team takes listeners to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) meeting in San Antonio, capturing the energy of a live “Stein evening” on the Riverwalk. Throughout the episode, leading neurosurgeons share insights into their work, innovations, and practical surgical tips. This episode blends clinical expertise, innovation, and behind-the-scenes conversations, giving viewers a snapshot of where neurosurgery is today—and where it’s headed next.

  8. May 1

    Modeling the Brain: Deep Brain Stimulation with Cameron McIntyre

    In this episode of the STEIN Fireside Podcast, hosts Bryan Klassen and Kai Miller sit down with Dr. Cameron McIntyre, a pioneer in deep brain stimulation (DBS) modeling and neural engineering. Dr. McIntyre reflects on his path from fundamental electric field physics to becoming a leader in clinically relevant DBS modeling, including the development of patient‑specific stimulation models and the widely used concept of the Volume of Tissue Activated (VTA). He discusses the strengths—and limitations—of current clinical models, emphasizing why useful models don’t have to be perfect to meaningfully improve patient care. The conversation explores emerging frontiers in DBS, including: Moving beyond simple stimulation volumes toward circuit‑ and pathway‑specific targeting How temporal patterning, frequency, and stimulation trains may shape neural activity The role of AI in navigating DBS’s massive parameter space Bridging engineering rigor with real‑world clinical practice Why understanding neural biophysics is essential for the next generation of neuromodulation The episode also offers a personal look at Dr. McIntyre’s career, mentoring philosophy, and life outside the lab—including his passion for auto racing—highlighting the human side of a scientist shaping the future of neuromodulation.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The STEIN Fireside Podcast is a series hosted by the Society for Technology, Engineering, and Innovation in Neurosurgery (STEIN). Its purpose is to create an informal yet deeply insightful platform for discussing cutting-edge topics in neuroscience, neurosurgery, and related technologies. Episodes feature conversations with leading experts who share their research, clinical experiences, and perspectives on the future of brain science and interventions.

Information

  • Creator
    steinfiresidepodcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    STEIN Fireside Podcast

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